MoonglotexasKa’s Review:
I was so looking forward to reading the next instalment in the series and was not disappointed. An odd but fun Christmas-themed plot with some surprises and a fair share of misunderstandings. The impulsive and good-hearted Eleanor Swift is off to save the Christmas celebration for a friend, only to find Christmas is not celebrated in Presbyterian Scotland. Along with the domestic tension this creates, there’s a murderer afoot and unsurprisingly both she and her trusty butler, Clifford, are soon in the thick of solving the mystery. even Detective Hugh Seldon puts in an appearance later in the story (which after the end of the last novel I found just a little frustrating).
Once again the storyline incorporates a little of her family history and even the legend of the selkies.
I really enjoy this series and this latest one certainly kept my attention. I’m hoping we spend some time in the village in the next one and that perhaps the romance moves along just a little swifter. I also think Gladstone needs a bigger role.
It’s a four out of five for me!
Kel’s Review:
One of the joys of a good cosy murder mystery series is the ease with which you can slip into them. There is a comfort in knowing the cast and being off on the next adventure with them! In Death on a Winter’s day, Verity Bright whisks Lady Eleanor and her staff off to a Scottish castle for an unusual Christmas. Determined to make the best of what transpires is a challenging situation, they all pull together to create a festive atmosphere…until the person liked least by everyone the dies!
On the case, Lady Eleanor and Clifford are swiftly ahead of the police in working out what’s going on. In the process, we learn a little more of the family’s history. With Scottish folklore and tradition woven throughout, it’s an enjoyable journey from start to finish!
I do look forward to the next one and hope to see more of Detective Hugh Seldon and Gladstone! It’s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale and highly recommended!
We received complimentary copies of the book from Bookouture through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in these reviews are completely our own
From the back cover:
Christmas at the castle with holly, handmade gifts, snowflakes and… is that a body under the tree? Someone call Lady Swift!
Winter, 1921. Lady Eleanor Swift, amateur sleuth and reluctant lady of the manor, has been invited to spend Christmas in Scotland, at the beautiful castle of her dear friends Baron and Baroness Ashley. Even her favourite companion, master of mischief Gladstone the bulldog, is coming along to share a slice of turkey. As snow begins to fall outside, the rather mismatched group are cozy by the roaring fire, sharing a tipple over a plate of Mrs Trotman’s famous mince pies.
But after what was supposed to be a fun party game, Mr Eugene Randall is found dead at the feast. A somewhat unpopular business associate of the Baron’s from across the pond, it seems Mr Randall has certainly upset somebody. Was it what he said about Scottish whisky?
The killer must be in the castle… and when the Baron is arrested, Baroness Ashley begs Eleanor to investigate. Determined not to let her friend down, Eleanor sets about questioning the remaining partygoers.
All too swiftly, someone else is found dead, having apparently fallen from a high balcony. As if one murder wasn’t enough to put a twist in the tinsel! Eleanor knows she’s skating on thin ice now. And when she discovers a hidden document that points the finger of suspicion at the unlikeliest of suspects, she realises there’s more to the story. Can Eleanor catch the killer before it’s time for Christmas dinner?
The perfect cozy mystery to curl up with this winter! Fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Lee Strauss are in for a festive treat.
